Board adopts resolution to prioritize classroom spending, asks staff for FCMAT analysis and timeline

On May 11 the San Francisco Board of Education adopted a substitute resolution aimed at keeping dollars closer to classrooms and preparing for an anticipated structural deficit beginning in the 2022–23 fiscal year. The resolution, authored by Commissioners Matt Alexander and Mark Sanchez, sets policy goals for prioritizing direct classroom instruction and school‑based supports and asks staff to provide clearer budget tracking, an organizational analysis and baseline school budget levels.

Key board requests include stronger budget transparency (how much is spent on direct classroom instruction, other school‑based support and central office services), development of a Vision 2025 baseline school budget (with suggested resources such as paraeducators, school counselors, nurses and reading specialists), and a request that staff engage the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to benchmark SFUSD spending patterns against other large California districts.

Commissioners said the resolution reflects long‑standing concerns about school funding levels in California and the need to protect instructional resources. Staff signaled they were already in conversations with FCMAT and agreed to return with an implementation timeline by Sept. 30, 2021.

The board approved the resolution by roll call vote (7–0). Commissioners and members of the public urged continued community engagement, clarity on metrics of effectiveness, and early reporting to ensure the district can plan through the upcoming budget cycles.